Dadan and Toar fight their way into finals

Fadli, The Jakarta Post, Batam

Seven boxers from the Indonesian squad had semifinal bouts here on Wednesday, but only two advanced to the finals of the President's Cup international boxing championship.

The triumphant boxers were Dadan Amanda in the 54-kilogram division and Toar Sompotan in the 69-kilogram division.

Dadan stunned Seo Dong-sik of South Korea 22-13, while Toar thumped Zulkarnaen Mustafa of Malaysia 37-15 at the Tumenggung Abdul Jamal Sports Hall.

The other five Indonesian boxers all crashed out, including young Destesa Moniaga.

Tipped as possible finalist, Destesa turned in a disappointing performance against Hong Moo-won of South Korea in the 48-kg division, suffering a comprehensive 27-9 loss.

Destesa found himself on the back foot from the start of the bout, as Hong landed upper cuts and hooks virtually at will.

Bara Gommies and Junus Pane also went down to Korean boxers, Kim Jae-ki and Song Hang-sung, respectively. Junus was knocked out in the second round.

Daud Yordan was narrowly beaten by Murat Airmassov of Kazakhstan, while Achmad Amiri was dominated by another Kazakh fighter, Eugen Gavrikoenko, losing 24-6.

Indonesia's medal hopes now rest on Dadan and Toar, who will face severe tests in the finals. Dadan will have to fight the tough Airmassov, while Toar will find himself in the ring with Azat Kazihanouv also of Kazakhstan.

Dadan said he was physically and mentally ready for the test.

"Getting to the finals of this year's President's Cup is God's reward. I will do my best against my opponent in the final. I'll need a well-worked strategy for the bout," he said.

Other boxers advancing to the finals were Bill Vicera, Godfrey Castro and Franklin Albia, all from the Philippines, Lee Ok-sung of South Korea, Nguyen Truy Kien of Vietnam, Chung Chun Qiu of Chinese Taipei, AKGK Sameer of Sri Lanka, Satoshi Hosono of Japan, SB Tamang of India, Asghar Ali Shah of Pakistan and Nasri of Malaysia.